A forward to today’s commentary– The death of Pope Francis is a reminder of the kind of ethical leadership the world too often lacks and desperately needs. Compassion without justice is sentiment. Mercy without accountability is empty. Francis didn’t just talk about the poor he challenged the economic systems that left them behind. He called environmental care a moral responsibility....

Moral courage is a rare commodity, rarer still today. Those who stand up—frequently alone—to shine a light on corruption, deceit, and discrimination at the risk of their reputations and livelihoods are worthy of admiration. Republican representatives Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, singer-songwriters Joni Mitchell and Neil Young, football coach Brian Flores—all have gone it alone in standing against reprehensible behavior,...